Definition of coda
1a: a concluding musical section that is formally distinct from the main structure
b: a concluding part of a literary or dramatic work
2 : something that serves to round out, conclude, or summarize and usually has its own interest
The classroom is a wonderful place to learn, but the opportunity to venture out of the predictable spaces where routines have been established can energize learning in some special ways. Coda is an opportunity for CCA students to complete the academic year with something more than the pressure of studying for exams. It is a time for students to have a shared experience traveling and living together as a class. Some special bonding happens during this time that strengthens class morale and unity. It gives students and teachers the opportunity to “meet” one another in a new and different way, in a much different setting than the every day. Thus, Coda trips serve to round out, conclude, and oftentimes summarize the experiences of the academic year while at the same time providing an opportunity to do something of interest with their peers.
By its very nature, a Coda is a different ending to a piece of work (literary, dramatic, musical). Thus, while some of the trips are “tried and true,” others may change from year to year depending on circumstances or opportunities unique to that year. To that end, the following is a description of those that have been offered in the past:
GRADE 7: GETTYSBURG; LANCASTER COUNTY, PA;
NEW YORK CITY (4 DAYS)
Students tour the great Civil War battlefield and understand their recent history lessons in a new light. Students also see the Amish culture and see a biblically themed dramatic production at Sight and Sound Theatre. Students get to enjoy a day at Hershey Park after visiting the Indian Echo Cavern. Finally, students get a glimpse of the immigrant experience with a trip to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
GRADE 8: WASHINGTON, D.C (5 DAYS)
Students visit the great government buildings and memorials of our nation’s capital. They tour the Capitol, the Smithsonian (Air and Space Museum), the Holocaust Museum, the Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson, and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials, and many other sites.
GRADE 9: CHINCOTEAGUE, VA (5 DAYS)
Students visit a famous wetlands and island protected area off of Virginia. They work with a local science research station to do a variety of observations and labs both at sea and on land. They also have some memorable (fun) adventures like the mud field challenge.
GRADE 10: QUEBEC, CANADA (4 DAYS)
Students learn about the Native American and French colonial history of North America’s most European city. There are many opportunities to discuss art and architecture as well as the strategic importance of the St. Lawrence river. Culinary delights also figure highly in the student’s experiences.
GRADE 11: OUTDOOR EDUCATION IMMERSION (4 DAYS)
Students engage in a physically and mentally demanding experience at the LaVida basecamp in the Adirondacks. Hiking, time for reflection on the deeper things of life, and a profound experience of the wonders of God’s creation give students an opportunity for deep personal reflection and class bonding.
GRADE 12: NEW YORK CITY (4 DAYS)
The Senior Class embarks on an ethnic and cultural tour of cosmopolitan New York City. They visit Jewish, Chinese, African American and Italian neighborhoods. They also visit the great historical and cultural treasures of NYC by visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 9-11 Museum, a Broadway show, and the Tenement Museum. They walk the Brooklyn Bridge that connects the borough to Manhattan and circle Manhattan Island by boat. The trip provides a memorable end to the CCA educational experience.
